For the past ten years since his debut, Tsao Youning has starred in no less than 20 works and even won the award for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Horse Awards. Transitioning from a baseball player to the world of drama, he has risen from a highly anticipated newcomer to a top-tier actor, and this journey has been far from accidental. Recently, he sat down for an interview with “Bella Lady” magazine, sharing his journey and experiences.
In 2014, Tsao Youning made his debut as the lead actor in the film “KANO,” produced by Wei Te-Sheng and directed by Ma Chih-Hsiang. The movie is based on the true story of the Chiayi Agricultural and Forestry baseball team. As a former athlete, Tsao Youning started his acting career as a newcomer in this film, setting off on his path in the entertainment industry. In 2024, he once again starred in the TV drama “Glorious Taxi Company,” set in Chiayi, also based on a true story, capturing the essence of the era. This serendipitous connection between these works has deeply touched Tsao Youning.
“These past ten years have been eventful, and I have grown in many ways. Coming back here and seeing the KANO statue at the roundabout, I feel like time has flown by. The surrounding buildings seem to have multiplied,” Tsao Youning expressed his special attachment to this place where he began his career.
The currently popular drama “Glorious Taxi Company” has received good viewership on streaming platforms. Tsao Youning portrays a driver who, despite failing as a mathematics teacher, unexpectedly takes over a taxi company, delving into various aspects including family, craftsmanship, and love. The protagonist in the series mirrors Tsao Youning’s real-life experiences, facing lows and making crucial career decisions. “Just like in the show, sometimes you need to hit the pause button and reflect. After doing the same thing for over a decade, is it time to switch paths? I’ve infused many of my personal experiences into the role, and there are indeed many similarities in mindset.”
Although the character he portrays in this work is a taxi driver, it has made him reflect on the crossroads of his life a decade ago. “Once you’ve taken that turn, it’s hard to go back. Luckily, it seems I steered in the right direction.”
Throughout these years, Tsao Youning has transitioned from an athlete to an actor and even ventured into hosting, discovering different senses of achievement through his efforts. “The sense of accomplishment as an athlete is very direct; performing well in a match brings immediate satisfaction. As an actor, it may take longer. From filming to airing, it requires some time, but when the audience watches and gains insights or inspiration, I feel that my performance is appreciated.”
“For me, hosting is a significant challenge. I always feel like I speak slowly and struggle with words, so I see it as accomplishing something I’m not naturally good at.” These diverse experiences allow him to find fulfillment in whichever role he takes on.
Looking back on the journey of the past decade, Tsao Youning reflects, “There was a long period of exploration where my goals may not have been clear. But now, I am determined to continue honing my skills as an actor. My hope is that in the next decade, when people mention me, they’ll say, ‘This actor knows how to act.’ I aspire to be someone whom others can confidently trust with their roles.”
Having navigated the entertainment industry for a decade after transitioning from being an athlete, Tsao Youning still sees ample room for growth and is working towards reaching the next peak in his career.